Boonville council hears first reading of proposed water and wastewater rate changes amid resident affordability concerns

The Boonville City Council held a first reading of Bill 2025‑03, an ordinance amending water and wastewater rates and portions of the administrative fee schedule (Appendix G), at its March 3, 2025 meeting. Council did not adopt the ordinance; the item was introduced for first reading and will return for further consideration.

Resident Barry raised affordability concerns and urged the council to “seriously think about not increasing the water rates this year,” saying some customers, including seniors, have struggled with higher bills. Council and staff clarified that many appeals to the Board of Public Works concern unusually large bills caused by leaks; staff said the Board’s standard practice is to reduce the sewer portion of a bill when the water did not enter the sewer system. Staff described a recent commercial example involving an extra $2,000 on a bill and noted the office sometimes credits or rebates customers after the fact.

City staff (Kate and utilities staff) explained reasons for proposed rate adjustments: higher chemical costs, labor and other operational increases, and the need to maintain quality drinking water and fund repairs and plant work. Staff said last year's rate increase (a prior 5.5% increase referenced in discussion) produced additional revenue already earmarked in the current budget for projects such as lead service line work and waterline replacement, but that actual consumption is down this year and the department may not meet revenue goals. Staff warned that using reserves for ongoing operational costs is not recommended; doing so would require adjustments across the budget.

Council discussed options including delaying a rate increase, the impact on reserves and the limited availability of grant funds for this kind of infrastructure. Staff said some grant programs target systems out of compliance or very small communities and that loans are more commonly available than grants.

Ending The ordinance (Bill 2025‑03) received a first reading; council requested more detail on budget impacts and alternatives before any final vote. No final action was taken at the March 3 meeting.